We are a group that is deeply concerned about the ongoing effects of trauma upon the people of Camden. The violence—murders, assaults, crime and enduring poverty create a culture of trauma that is damaging our community.

According to a recent report at the mlive.com local news site in Michigan, new figures released Oct. 29 put Flint, MI, behind Camden for per capita violent crime for cities over 50,000 population in 2011.

However, 2012 has been much worse in Camden, according to a USA Today report noting that Camden set a grim new record recently, with its 59th homicide of the year.